Effectual Calling

We saw last week that the Shepherd died for the sheep so that his sheep may live. As hymn-writer Johann Heermann declared, "What punishment so strange is suffered yonder! The Shepherd dies for sheep that loved to wander; The Master pays the debt His servants owe Him, Who would not know Him." This is Redemption Accomplished. This is what Christ did for us historically and objectively to purchase our redemption. Now we want to move on to consider how that redemption accomplished is applied. How does God save people? John 10 says that the Shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. Calling is the initial act of God in applying redemption to fallen men. This sermon explores the meaning of what has been called "Effectual Calling."